Bobby Flay Shrimp Scampi Recipe

This Bobby Flay Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a garlicky and herb-infused recipe, which is made with plump jumbo shrimp and aromatic fennel seeds. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in about 45 minutes.

Bobby Flay Shrimp Scampi Recipe Ingredients

• 12 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (leave tails on if desired)
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 10 cloves garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon ground fennel seed
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 tablespoon chopped tarragon leaves
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves, plus extra for garnish

How To Make Bobby Flay Shrimp Scampi Recipe

1. Make the garlic paste: In a small food processor, combine the 10 cloves of garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, ground fennel seed, and canola oil. Pulse until the mixture resembles a rough paste.
2. Marinate the shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a large baking dish or bowl. Pour the garlic paste over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Grill the shrimp: Preheat your grill to high. Remove the shrimp from the marinade (discard excess oil) and season them generously with salt and pepper. Place the shrimp directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until they are pink, opaque, and have slight char marks. Remove them from the grill and set aside on a plate.
4. Make the butter sauce: Place a large sauté pan directly on the grill grates (or use a side burner/stovetop). Add the stick of unsalted butter and let it melt. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped tarragon, and thyme. Cook for about 30 seconds until the herbs are fragrant.
5. Finish and serve: Add the grilled shrimp into the bubbling butter sauce. Toss well and cook for one more minute to marry the flavors. Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasonings. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh herb sprigs.

Recipe Tips

• The Secret Ingredient: The ground fennel seed is what separates Bobby Flay’s scampi from the traditional version. It adds a subtle anise/licorice note that pairs beautifully with the garlic and charred shrimp.
• Grilling the Sauce: Putting the sauté pan directly on the grill allows you to finish the dish without running back and forth to the kitchen. Make sure your pan is cast iron or stainless steel (no plastic handles!).
• Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook very fast. Since you are grilling them and tossing them in hot butter, pull them off the grill the moment they turn pink to ensure they stay tender.
• Oil Choice: Canola oil is used for the marinade because it has a higher smoke point than olive oil, which prevents the garlic paste from burning bitterly on the high-heat grill.

What To Serve With Bobby Flay Shrimp Scampi

This saucy dish needs a vehicle to soak up the garlic butter.

• Crusty Sourdough Bread: Essential for dipping.
• Angel Hair Pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce with pasta for a main meal.
• Grilled Asparagus: A smoky vegetable side compliments the char on the shrimp.
• Lemon Risotto: For a luxurious pairing.

How To Store Bobby Flay Shrimp Scampi Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Reheat very gently in a skillet over low heat just until warm. Do not use the microwave, or the shrimp will become rubbery and tough.
• Freeze: It is not recommended to freeze this dish once cooked, as the texture of the shrimp degrades significantly.

Bobby Flay Shrimp Scampi Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 480
• Total Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 185mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 3g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Protein: 24g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Bobby Flay Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
• Bobby Flay Grilled Shrimp Recipe
• Bobby Flay Poaching Liquid for Shrimp Recipe